Intermodal Container With Integrated Conveying Means

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional intermodal freight containers are labor-intensive and inflexible, requiring large warehouses for loading and unloading, and making it difficult to access goods stored far from the container door without unloading other goods first.

Innovation Solution

A container structure with integrated conveying means, such as conveyor belts, robotic arms, or lifts, that allow items to be conveyed within and beyond the container's footprint or convex hull, enabling flexible and efficient item handling and transfer between containers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual loading and unloading methods are used, then labor intensity is high, but the container structure remains simple

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveloading and unloading efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the container structure with integrated conveying means (conveyor belts, robotic arms, lifts) to create a unified system. The conveying means are mounted within the container structure itself, merging the storage function with the material handling function, thereby reducing labor intensity while maintaining relatively simple container architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure is equipped with self-contained conveying mechanisms that can autonomously move goods within the container and between containers without external equipment. The system includes self-powered conveyor belts, robotic arms with automated control, and lifts that operate independently, reducing the need for external forklifts and manual labor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Quantity of substance

If goods are stored far from the container door, then storage capacity is maximized, but access to goods becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage capacityVSAvoidgoods accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic conveying means including movable conveyor belts that can extend and retract, robotic arms with adjustable reach and positioning, and telescopic lifts. These dynamic elements enable the system to adapt its configuration based on the location of goods, allowing efficient access to items stored at any position within the container including those far from the door.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The conveying means act as intermediaries between goods stored at remote locations and the container door or external handling equipment. The system includes intermediate transfer points where goods can be moved from deep storage positions to accessible locations using conveyor belts and robotic manipulation, facilitating easy access without requiring complete unloading.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If large warehouses are used for loading and unloading, then handling operations are facilitated, but the facility size and flexibility are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling operation convenienceVSAvoidwarehouse size

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the material handling function from external warehouse facilities and integrates it directly into the container structure. The conveying means are built into the container itself, eliminating the need for separate warehouse spaces equipped with heavy handling equipment. This allows loading and unloading operations to be performed directly at the container location, reducing dependency on large warehouse facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The container structure is designed with multi-functional capabilities, serving both as storage and as an active material handling station. The integrated conveying means enable the container to perform loading, unloading, internal goods redistribution, and transfer operations without requiring dedicated warehouse infrastructure, thereby reducing the need for large specialized facilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If conveying means are integrated into the container, then handling efficiency is improved, but the container weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegoods handling efficiencyVSAvoidcontainer weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs lightweight conveying components that can be easily replaced or upgraded. The system uses modern lightweight materials for conveyor belts, robotic components, and lift mechanisms, prioritizing operational efficiency over minimal weight. The conveying means are designed as replaceable modules that can be serviced or replaced without replacing the entire container structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentUS12319494B2Container structure and associated assembly, method and adjustment mechanism

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 SWISSLOG BV

AI summary

A container structure, for example a container structure having a footprint and/or overall dimensions substantially corresponding to those of an intermodal freight shipping container, includes conveying means integrated or mounted into or onto the container structure for conveying items within a footprint or a convex hull of the container structure.